Stars including SIMON LE BON, STEPHEN FRY and SIMON PEGG have led tributes to Bond composer JOHN BARRY, who died on Sunday (30Jan11).

The Oscar-winning musician, who wrote the iconic theme tunes for 007 films including Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever, suffered a fatal heart attack in New York. He was 77.

A number of stars have spoken out to honour the late Brit, with Duran Duran singer Le Bon recalling his former collaborator’s inspiring talent.

The pair co-wrote 1985 track A View to a Kill for the Bond movie of the same name, and received a Golden Globe nomination for their hit.

Le Bon says, “I would say he had a very, very full life. I mean, when we met him, he was really enjoying himself.

“The music is an important part of any film, and when you’ve got something as recognisable as the Bond themes, but also the kind of music which was in them, it was so important in making the film work.”

Meanwhile, funnyman Pegg took to his Twitter.com page to remember Barry’s musical legacy: “The composer of so many classic film scores from Midnight Cowboy to Dances with Wolves and of course all those Bonds. RIP John Barry OBE.”

British actor/writer Fry admits he was saddened by the news, calling Barry a mensch, the Yiddish word for a person of honour.

He writes, “John Barry has died. How sad. One of the greats and a real mensch. RIP.”

Superproducer Mark Ronson also dedicated a ‘tweet’ to Barry, writing: “RIP John Barry 1 of the greatest composers EVER. Goldfinger Diamonds Are Forever View To A Kill… & Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, You Only Live Twice etc… every time John Barry sat down to write a score, he wrote a modern standard.”